I attended a lecture at the recent CSI Annual Conference in Minneapolis that discussed “Artificial Intelligence” (AI). It is not a mystery; it is basically just math with billions of data points. I had little knowledge of AI until that morning keynote. Afterwards, I downloaded an app based off ChatGPT. So, I will note here that some of the following information was inspired by AI.
What intrigues me is its ability to gather and provide information in a clear written format. That said, it should be used cautiously as a research tool because what appears as fact may not always be accurate. If we use this tool with this in mind, it may still offer valuable information that can be followed up on.
For example, I asked AI how it is being used in the construction industry. There were no details as I did not ask for any. However, what was produced was an overall summary of the areas within the construction industry that AI is currently being used.
“Overall, AI is revolutionizing the construction industry by improving project planning, automating tasks, enhancing safety optimizing resource allocation, and enabling better decision-making through the construction life cycle.”
From this point, one could inquire about how AI contributes to improving safety in the industry, explore more specific queries regarding resource allocation optimization, or consider how this technology can assist contractors in procuring materials more efficiently to mitigate risks.
I also read a CBC article that describes how AI is being used by the City of Calgary to better analyze road conditions. They use cameras that gather information that is then analyzed to better understand potential problems—that the eye cannot detect—and go on to set priorities.
In my own research, I initially use AI to obtain general information, but then I proceed to conduct a more detailed investigation. I must emphasize that I don’t rely solely on AI as my primary source of information. Effective use of AI still necessitates critical thinking skills. I would recommend cross verifying the information AI provides by looking at other resources.
Approached carefully, AI can provide valuable general information and steer direction for further research. It’s merely one tool among many. Following the morning seminar at the CSI Conference, I’ve gained a better understanding on how to use AI effectively and not to fear it. I now see an exciting future in this field of mathematics.
Yours in service. I am CSC.
